05/10/2026
In 2016, before I gave birth there were two moments that absolutely terrified me.
One was one of my bump buddies had a cousin-in-law who developed preeclampsia and subsequent HELLP syndrome. Unfortunately she didn’t make it.
The second was when Kira passed away 12 hours after having her C-section.
Both happened before I gave birth in July 2016, so naturally I was terrified.
Then to add to my fear, one of my bump buddies who was due a month after me started having complications to the point where they decided to deliver her a month early.
There are so many reasons why my dissertation focuses not only on Black maternal mortality, but also the lived experiences of Black women. Our stories, fears, complications, and realities need to play a role in the policies created to decrease maternal mortality amongst Black women.
So while sharing this evolution of motherhood for me from 2016 to now… I also want to acknowledge that I almost didn’t make it. But I did.
And because I did, I am committed to making sure our stories are heard.
So if you have a moment… or two… or 345… please complete my survey and share it with folks who meet the criteria.
Criteria:
• Black/African American cisgender women
• Gave birth within the last 10 years
• Birth took place in New York or Georgia
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 💐
Survey link:
https://bit.ly/3QJXDV8 (link in bio)
